Weeks One and Two are already over. It’s always a fun time to rank the NFL teams in what are called NFL Power Rankings. I’ve done this before, ranking them according to the dynasty talent on their teams. Now, it’s about the whole team. These NFL Power Rankings will be ranked according to five areas. Those areas are quarterback, the offense as a whole, the defense, and coaching. The fifth area is how they have been doing over the last few games or on the whole season, depending on where in the season it is. A bad GM can still create a good team. Look at Steve Keim, who built numerous playoff teams despite being a not-great general manager.
These NFL power rankings will be done every week, so check back in and see where they are all ranked. With that said, let’s get started below.
32. Houston Texans
The Texans maintain the last spot as they had another rough game against the Colts in Week Two. CJ Stroud and the offense continued to gain a lot of yards but had a tough time converting those yards into points. The defense is the miserable part of the team. They failed to stop a developing Anthony Richardson or a backup quarterback in Gardner Minshew. This team could easily be the #1 pick come next May.
31. Chicago Bears
The Bears have a case to be made for the bottom spot in the power rankings. Their team is just awful. There’s no cohesion, no game plan, or unity. Now, Justin Fields is speaking out about the game calling after he played horrible on Sunday. I’m sure you’ve seen on Twitter how many wide-open receivers he missed before taking a sack. Plus, the defense had zero answers for the Buccaneers offense. Now, the team is embroiled in a controversy involving its defensive coordinator.
30. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals lost in heartbreaking fashion for their fans after blowing a 28-7 lead in the second half. They led 20-0 at halftime and yet somehow lost to the Giants. The same Giants who hadn’t scored in six quarters to start the season. The defense is playing better than expected, but it can’t withstand a miserable offense. The Cardinals are well within reach of the pick that will get them Caleb Williams.
29. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts just saw one of the biggest issues with Richardson unfold on Sunday. For the second week in a row, he exposed himself to unnecessary hits and now is dealing with a concussion. He has to learn how to be a quarterback first before a rusher. Their defense was impressive against the Texans, but it was the Texans. Still, this team has a lot to like, but they aren’t good enough to rise up these rankings.
28. Carolina Panthers
Young looks like a rookie quarterback. It isn’t his fault the rest of the Panthers can’t figure out how to win games. The offensive line is shaky. The wide receivers have been doing just alright. Miles Sanders hasn’t been able to take the pressure off of Young. And the defense is not doing enough to help the offense out. However, you can see moments of hope, like when Young scrambled for a large rush against the Saints.
27. New England Patriots
This might be low, but the Patriots haven’t seemed competitive despite close games against two strong teams so far this year. The defense is pretty good. Christian Gonzalez is an elite cornerback. However, the offense has left a lot to be wanted. Rhamondre Stevenson is doing his job, as is Hunter Henry. But Mac Jones hasn’t shown much improvement from last year despite Bill O’Brien’s hiring.
26. Denver Broncos
The Broncos continue to find creative ways to lose games despite a new head coach, Sean Payton. Denver leaped out to a massive 21-3 lead before halftime even ended. Somehow, they blew that lead and ended up losing the game. Their defense is in shambles, as Vance Joseph is not doing a good job. This defense has a ton of potential, but it just isn’t even close to how it was last year. One positive this week was that it was nice to see that Russell Wilson can still throw a nice deep ball accurately.
25. Cleveland Browns
The Browns suffered two huge losses on Monday night. They lost to their rival Steelers in a game they should’ve won but lost due to mostly their own mistakes. And they lost star Nick Chubb to a horrible injury that we can only pray he comes back from. Still, the issues with Deshaun Watson have continued from last year. The run game is now a mystery. And the defense hasn’t been as good as it was hyped to be.
24. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are 1-1 but not playing like a team that will win much this year. They got their dishes cleaned by the Buffalo Bills this past weekend. Their defense is not able to stop any team with a decent offense. Josh Jacobs is off to a very slow start. And the offense, in general, can’t get out of its own way. It’s set up to be a long season in Las Vegas this year.
23. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a terrific passing offense led by Kirk Cousins. Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson have been amazing fantasy plays this year. So has Jordan Addison. The defense has been respectable. Despite a lackluster group, they’ve kept the Vikings close. Yet, they are still 0-2, and it’s all because of two things centered around one factor. It’s about rushing the ball. They have just 67 yards rushing through two weeks. That’s miserable. Perhaps Cam Akers can fix that. The defense, meanwhile, can’t stop opponents from rushing the ball down their throats. That’s why they are 0-2.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers defense is elite. TJ Watt is determined to prove to the NFL world that he’s the best defender in the business. He wants to win DPOY bad. Alex Highsmith and the rest of the defense are playing really well. They won their game against the Browns off of the defense being dominant. However, the offense will cause them to lose more games due to the playcalling by Matt Canada. You can see sparks of this offense when they call the right plays, such as Najee Harris’ deep rushes or George Pickens’ 70+ yard touchdown. They are just too far and few between.
21. New York Jets
The Jets still have a strong defense. They have a great running back group. However, they got smashed by the Dallas Cowboys because of the Cowboys’ defense. It did show a lot of their weaknesses. The offensive line is still pretty bad. Zach Wilson hasn’t grown as much as he was hyped. And this team is once again too good to tank but not good enough to make up for their quarterback play.
20. Washington Commanders
The Commanders are 2-0, but they don’t feel or look like an undefeated team. Perhaps it’s because they played two poor opponents, the Cardinals and the Broncos. Still, you have to respect the fact they came back from down 21-3 against Denver to win. Sam Howell is developing well in front of our eyes. Brian Robinson Jr. is a perfect fit in Eric Bienemy’s offense. And the defense is meshing well. This team could be a sneaky team come late in the year.
19. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are like the New England Patriots, only with Mike Vrabel as head coach. They are a tough defensive team that wants to run the ball down your throat. They succeeded at that by beating the Chargers in overtime using that exact method. It will be curious to see how long they can manage to keep doing that, but for the time being, it worked.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are seeing a revitalized Baker Mayfield as they are out to a 2-0 record, albeit against two struggling teams, the Vikings and the Bears. Still, the defense is doing quite well, with Vita Vea leading the way. Mike Evans is showing the Bucs why they should’ve paid him the contract he wanted. He looks like a man on a mission, and Mayfield is happy to keep feeding him the ball. This team could win the NFC South when it’s all said and done.
17. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons won and are now 2-0 on the young season. However, there are concerns. This isn’t a team that will be able to beat any elite team. They got lucky with the Packers. Still, the team has to be happy with the results from their defense, Bijan Robinson, and Desmond Ridder. However, one has to wonder how much longer they will go before getting the ball into the hands of Drake London and Kyle Pitts, their two best-skill guys outside of Robinson. That part is quite confusing as to how they are doing well despite near-zero contributions from those two.
16. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams might be 1-1 but could easily be 2-0 if a few things happened differently on Sunday. They were a tough match for the 49ers. They counterpunched well and stood firm on defense, stopping the 49ers multiple times. The 49ers defense was just superior, and that’s why they won. Still, one has to be very encouraged by the breakout performances from Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua. Plus, Matthew Stafford looks like the Stafford of old. Once Cooper Kupp is back, this could be a team that vies for the playoffs.
15. New Orleans Saints
The Saints and Derek Carr once again rose to the challenge when it mattered and beat the Panthers on Monday Night Football. Carr has proven to be exactly what this rostered needed: a veteran quarterback capable of making every throw. Once they get the rushing game going, with Alvin Kamara coming back from suspension soon, this team is a near-complete team. They have a great defense, special teams, and a strong offense.
14. Seattle Seahawks
I wasn’t sure where to put Seattle. They lost to the Rams in embarrassing fashion but came back with a vengeance and showcased what they can be against the Lions by beating them in overtime. For now, I’ll slot them here. They have a decent offense that can score points in bunches. However, the offense can also go ice-cold. The same is true for the defense. The defense had nearly no answers for the Lions offense or the Rams. That will be a problem later in the season.
13. Green Bay Packers
The Packers absolutely should’ve beaten the Falcons, but they blew their lead late. Still, I’m willing to put them here because they have a strong defense, offense, and special teams. Jordan Love looks legit. The offense needs Aaron Jones and Christian Watson back, but when they come back, this offense will be deadly. Quay Walker looks like a reborn defender. And the coaching staff is pressing all the right buttons.
12. New York Giants
The Giants would’ve been much lower if not for their historic comeback in the second half of their Week Two game against the Cardinals. While it’s still concerning they were unable to score for six straight quarters, they made up for it with 31 points in the second half as they stormed back from down 28-7 to win. Their defense was elite in the second half, stifling the Cardinals. The offense clicked on all cylinders. Although, it will be interesting to see how they do without Saquon Barkley for the foreseeable future. Still, this team still has playoff aspirations.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
I refuse to accept that the Bengals are as bad as they’ve played. The defense is doing well. The receivers are making plays when they are thrown the ball. Joe Mixon hasn’t been that bad. It just seems like Joe Burrow is playing hurt. That came to be true when it was revealed he aggravated the calf injury he suffered in Training Camp. The Bengals will only go as far as Burrow takes them, but an 0-2 record is going to make it really tough for them to do much of anything this year. Still, this team is too good to rank lower for now.
10. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens aren’t playing great football, but they are winning. It’s clear they are still getting used to the new Todd Monken offense. There are concerns, though, such as how long will the running game be viable. Can Lamar Jackson continue to be a pocket passer? Can they find a good WR2 opposite Zay Flowers? Plus, how long will the defense hold up? They showed cracks in the game against the Bengals. Elite offenses will expose those cracks.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
It’s a tad confusing why the Chargers are here except for when you consider their losses. Both were on last-second scores either in the waning seconds or in overtime. Their offense is strong, and the Chargers would’ve easily won on Sunday had Austin Ekeler played. The defense is still a work in progress, but you have to be excited about how strong this offense has looked under Justin Herbert and Kellen Moore. They are a better team than everyone ranked under them, despite their record.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars lost a close game to the Chiefs despite Trevor Lawrence having a bad game. It was encouraging to see Christian Kirk break out again, but this offense will have to get sorted out quickly. It’s too good for that not to happen. The defense was spectacular, holding the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes to just two touchdowns. While it was a loss, this team showed just how talented it is even when it’s having a bad day.
7. Detroit Lions
The Lions lost to the Seahawks in overtime, but that wasn’t enough to drop them too far, as they still have a win over the Chiefs. There are a lot of future concerns for Detroit, such as how severe are the injuries to David Montgomery and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jared Goff looks like a franchise quarterback, willing the Lions to multiple scores. The defense is the issue. They just lost Gardner-Johnson to a potential season-ending injury. The Lions are still favorites to win the NFC North, but they will only go as far as their defense takes them.
6. Buffalo Bills
The Bills demolished the Raiders on Sunday, reminding the NFL world that they are still the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen had a statement game, and it was a blowout by halftime. Gabe Davis re-emerged as a reliable WR2. The defense had a terrific game, shutting the Raiders down after the first quarter. It was a stunning turnaround after their loss to the Jets less than a week prior.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs rebounded from a tough loss to the Lions by winning a close game against the Jaguars. It was a tough win that required a complete team effort, one that was nice to see as it didn’t just rely on Mahomes winning the game. It was good to see that Chris Jones and Travis Kelce are still reliable impact performers. The Chiefs will look to carry this momentum into Week Three.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Well, I’m not sold on the offense, but I’m buying a timeshare when it comes to this Dallas Cowboys defense. They are ferocious and are absolutely the reason why they are 2-0. Micah Parsons is battling TJ Watt for DPOY, and it’s going to be a great race to watch. As for the offense, they have to find another contributor besides Lamb and Pollard. Pollard isn’t going to survive the season getting 30+ touches a game.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins continued to be a complete team that can beat you in various ways as they won on Sunday Night Football against the Patriots. This time, they won thanks to their elite rushing ability, especially by Raheem Mostert, and thanks to a strong defensive effort. Tua Tagovailoa looked sharp again as he led the offense up and down the New England field. This Dolphins looks to be the best AFC team so far, so long as Tua and Tyreek Hill can stay healthy.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles won a game that never felt close against the Vikings last Thursday. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some worrying signs. The offense, aside from the rushing, just doesn’t look the same as last year. They can’t get the ball to AJ Brown. It looks out of sync. That is to be expected with a new offensive coordinator, but still, I guess you can’t complain when they are 2-0. Jalen Hurts looks like the same, and the Eagles’ defense is once again one of the best.
1. San Francisco 49ers
There isn’t a more complete team in the NFL than the 49ers. Even when they had a “close” game against the Rams, they looked unstoppable when it mattered most. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle are unstoppable as they are simply unguardable. Brock Purdy continued to be a strong performer despite his multi-touchdown streak ending. The defense hasn’t seen a big game from Nick Bosa yet, but they are still right there with the Cowboys. Plus, I’m not sure there’s a better coaching staff in the NFL than Kyle Shanahan and his crew.
Come back next week to see the next version of the NFL Power Rankings. Maybe a surprise team will rise or fall them even more.
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As always, May the Force be with You…
